Improvements to Centennial Park Ballfield remains a hot topic at the Town of Lake Cowichan council table.
Councillor Bob Day has reiterated his concern recently at the fact you “cannot play baseball on that field.”
A total of $30,000 has been budgeted in the town’s budget for this year specifically for improvements on aspects of Centennial Park.
“The minor league does not have a plan to maintain the park,” said superintendent Nagi Rizk at last week’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee meeting. “I’m glad we’ve had time to walk around the park now and soon we’ll determine what needs to be done within the budget.”
Mayor Ross Forrest confirmed that he’s received numerous complaints regarding the need for upgrades at the field.
“The only way to approach this is that the superintendent meets with the ball association and they get a mutual understanding of what needs to be done,” said Forrest at the meeting. “The ex-president there over reacted last year and mistakes were made. New material was put in up there and it’s not very good.
“North Cowichan doesn’t use the same material on every ball park. Some people like certain material and some people don’t. The cost is a big factor. If we spend too much it doesn’t necessarily mean it will make it better. Both parties need to be in agreement so everyone understands what’s going on there. I also walked out onto the little league field and I wouldn’t want to be sliding on there either. It’s very harsh and needs repaired as well.”
It was assumed by Forrest that Lake Cowichan District Minor Baseball Association would contribute very little money towards inevitable improvements.
“Our first priority is that it’s safe for the kids to play on,” said the mayor. “The material there now is of use once it’s smoothed out. Once we do that, I think it’ll be fine. It’s not something to deal with every year once we get it right and hopefully we do.”
Coun. Tim McGonigle agreed.
“If safety is an issue, regardless of what comes out of the budget, that should be addressed,” he said.
Coun. Jayne Ingram believes members of the local public would come out and assist the town for free.
“I’m sure we could get volunteers to help paint the washrooms and somebody to donate some paint,” said Ingram. “That might save us some dollars and allow us to put more into where we need it the most.”
Day believes council need to get at the changes as soon as possible.
“We’re trying to create an environment where young people want to be, so we must do the best we can,” he said.
